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11-09-2011, 07:14 PM | #45 | ||
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I've grown increasingly critical of comparisons/first-drive articles of any sort since I read this article.
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11-09-2011, 07:33 PM | #46 |
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11-09-2011, 08:06 PM | #47 | |
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Comparison tests are basically just supported by manufacturers so their dealers can keep copies in their showrooms of the ones their cars "win" for someone who doesn't know any better to feel warm and fuzzy about a purchase he's about to make. In respect to oneself, there really isn't much to be gleaned about a car you've never driven, and it's futile to form opinions on a car based on someone you've never met, whether they were driving an enhanced press car, or not. My 2c on automotive journalism, anyway. It's mildly informative entertainment, something to do while I take a shit |
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11-10-2011, 01:58 AM | #48 |
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Not only is this a repost - it's old news. Car & Driver wrote about such antics in the 90s. Tiff Needell on Fifth Gear was banned from testing Ferraris for a few years after being critical of the 360 or F355. Reportedly Harris wasn't allowed to drive the new FF at the media launch - he had to ride while a factory driver took him around.
Ferrari is the worst, I'm sure, but even Chris' precious Porsche AG is likely guilty of similar antics. In the end, letting this stuff bother you is silly. Not only are most of the people "outraged" never going to be in the market for any Ferrari currently for sale, but the truth is the differences they go through all this to achieve are infinitesmal and bear no relevance to actual owners. Who's sitting at home gnashing his teeth and tearing out his hair because he can't manage the same 'Ring time as the magazines quoted for his 458? Ferrari doesn't do this stuff to put one over on customers, they do it to win magazine comparisons - a corrupt, subjective and unscientific venue that puts them and every other car maker at a disadvantage. |
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11-12-2011, 02:52 AM | #49 | |
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I used to tell this story about a very talented programmer I worked with. When confronted about a bug or potential bug, almost reflexively and somewhat arrogantly he would immediately say "No, nope, not possible". He was right more often than wrong and even when wrong, and even when it seemed a monumental task, he would have the bug fixed that same day. We all hoped he could be a but less abrasive but upon further reflection I realized that if he did not have these somewhat negative traits he probably wouldn't be half the programmer he was in the first place. They good and bad were pretty well tied together. However, that being said, there is clearly a line between being control freaks about your product, history, legacy, engineering, manufacturing, quality, testing, marketing, etc., etc. and doing what Ferrari are doing here. They are cheating and attempting to control an audiences ability to have access to unbiased journalism. It is definitely crossing the line. Would their products be as good if they did not have these particular behaviors? Open question in my humble opinion. I am leaning towards a yes though.
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11-12-2011, 08:40 AM | #50 | |
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^Well said Swamp...(and US//M3)
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Are they nominated for the Grammy Awards yet? Anyway. I'd choose the 458 too. Or are you saying a 'normal' 458 cannot do those tricks? DISCLAIMER:I'm a big fan of Chris Harris though. |
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11-12-2011, 09:24 PM | #51 | |
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